Texas Group Pushing for Legal Poker

It's somewhat ironic given the fact that the game is called Texas Hold'em that the state of Texas legislators has steadfastly resisted calls to legalize the game and regulate for establishments to offer tables and tournaments. That could change though, as a determined push by a pro poker lobby group gathers momentum and support.

The newly created Texas Poker FAC believes that Texas could benefit by taking advantage of the games new popularity to create a legal framework. Bringing the game from out of the backrooms and into a properly regulated environment would generate much needed revenue for the state. Charities would also benefit from being able to use the game as a potentially popular and lucrative part of their fundraising.

Mike Lavigne, of Texas Poker FAC, has said that the group is laying the groundwork for a strong push during April's special legislative session.

It's not going to be plain sailing though - Texas has traditionally had a powerful and vocal opposition to any kinds of gambling relaxation and reforms. Religious and other anti gambling groups are opposing the drive to legality, citing the problems that gambling can cause to individuals as one of their major concerns. They believe that the state should be looking at alternative methods of increasing revenue and jump on the lucrative gambling bandwagon.

Texas Poker FAC have foreseen this criticism though, and the legislation they are pushing for would contain provision for funding to help the small minority of people for whom gambling becomes an addiction, or leads to other problems.

Bringing the game out of the backroom and under public scrutiny is more likely to be of benefit than harm. People are playing anyway, be it in underground games or neighbouring states, and appropriate legislation in Texas would not only raise funds for the state but would also provide protection for the player, including the minority of problem gamblers.